It was nearly lunchtime when they left the Nara compound.
Clan members were out in force, several waved as Harry passed, smiling wide and genuine at the three of them.
An older Nara woman cooed at Teddy, crooning, "Look at you, growing so fast."
Teddy responded with a delighted, "Maa!" and a wave of his sticky hand.
Shikamaru, halfway behind Harry's legs, managed a quiet, "good morning."
They'd almost reached the outer gate when Harry spotted a familiar figure crossing their path, hands in his pockets.
"Ryūjin-sama," Daen called, tilting his head with mock-formality. "Did I see you coming out of the main house? Sleeping over?" His voice oozing innuendo.
Harry rolled his eyes so hard it hurt, but the corner of his mouth curled. "And what about you, Daen? Have you agreed to marry that old lady's granddaughter yet?"
Daen went white, looking suddenly hunted. "Don't joke about that!" he hissed, glancing over his shoulder as if the grandmother might materialise at any moment.
Harry couldn't help a snort. "I'm sure Saeko would love to take you back to the café soon."
"Mercy," Daen grumbled. "Give a man some hope." He recovered quickly, and smirked, "Should I be calling you Nara-sama now?"
Harry groaned. "Just Hari."
Daen grinned, deliberately mischievous. "Whatever you say, Hari-sama."
Shikamaru, who'd been eyeing Daen warily, stepped forward, crossing his arms in a way that looked almost comical with his small frame. He glared up at Daen with open suspicion, then, voice clear and just loud enough to be overheard by several amused bystanders, declared, "My Maashah and Dad had a date. So you can't flirt with him anymore!"
There was a burst of laughter from a group of Nara teens standing by the gate and Harry felt mortification settling in his bones.
Daen, for his part, only raised his brows, turning to Harry. "Is that so?" he drawled.
Harry shot his son a panicked look, and clapped a hand over Shikamaru's mouth just as the boy opened it to reply. "That's enough of that, thank you!" he said hurriedly, giving Daen a narrow-eyed glare. "Do you mind not interrogating my son in public? He's very… impressionable."
Daen gave him an exaggerated look of innocence. "Troublesome, just making conversation." But his grin was wide, and his eyes were sparkling with mischief. "Where are you all off to this fine morning?"
Harry adjusted Teddy's carrier, giving Daen a searching look. "Just heading home for lunch. Trying to get these two down for a nap before they turn feral. Why?"
Daen gave a careless shrug, but Harry noticed the way his eyes flicked around the street, sharp and assessing despite his easy posture. "I was headed that way myself. Why don't I walk with you?"
Harry eyed Daen sceptically but shrugged. "Sure. It's only across the training ground to my gates."
As they walked, Daen slowed his pace to match Harry's, keeping just a step ahead as if shielding him from some unseen threat.
It was making him feel a bit paranoid, and Harry let his magic spread out looking for threats but found nothing.
They were nearly at Harry's compound gates when Daen suddenly stiffened, stepping just ahead, body angled protectively in front of them.
"…I still don't get it, Shisui," came a boy's voice. "If there are no guards at the gate, how does anyone inside know we're here?"
The reply was lighter. "Lighten up, Itachi! Haven't you heard the rumours? No one gets into this place unless Ryūjin-sama lets you in. Bet there are alert seals all over the walls. Or maybe—" there was an unmistakable grin in the words, "maybe there's a dragon watching us right now."
Harry bit his lip to hide a smile. As they rounded the bend, the two boys came into view, standing by the carved stone dragons. The older was peering up at the sculptures as if hoping one would come to life. The younger, much shorter, stood perfectly still, posture so rigid he could have been a statue.
Harry slowed, and called out gently, "Can I help you boys?"
The older boy startled, but quickly plastered on an easy smile, sticking his hands in his pockets. "Ah, are you Ryūjin-sama?" he asked.
Harry nodded. "That's me, but please, call me Hari." He shot the boy a friendly smile, trying to put him at ease.
The older boy relaxed, letting his shoulders drop as he grinned. "I'm Shisui. Shisui Uchiha." He reached back, grabbing the smaller boy by the elbow and dragging him forward. "And this is my baby cousin, Itachi."
Itachi glared at Shisui for a moment, but bowed, movements crisp and perfect. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ryū— Hari-sama." His voice soft.
Harry's smile widened, genuinely delighted. "You're Fugaku-sama's nephew, aren't you? He's told me all about you, Shisui."
Shisui flushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, that's me. Sorry if he said I was trouble."
"Only a little," Harry teased. "But he did say you were one of the best at causing mischief."
Shisui's ears went red, but his eyes danced with pride. "I can't help it if trouble finds me."
Teddy, picking up on the new arrivals, let out a delighted coo, waving his hands as if hoping one of the boys would come play.
Shikamaru moved to Harry's side, clutching his coat, eyes narrowed at the newcomers.
"So," he said bluntly, "what do you want?"
Harry chided softly, "Shikamaru, be polite."
The boy sighed, muttering "Troublesome," under his breath.
Shisui grinned, entirely unfazed. "Actually, my uncle asked me to come introduce myself, maybe spar with you, Ryū—Hari-sama. He thinks I'm too full of energy." His tone was self-deprecating, but there was a gleam in his eyes. "Also, I thought I'd try and see a dragon up close."
Harry snorted, amused. "So, you're here for mischief, then?"
Shisui's face twisted into a sheepish, irrepressible grin. "Or a spar," he admitted. "Not picky."
The resemblance to Sirius was uncanny. He glanced at Itachi, who watched him with tired eyes.
His heart ached. The urge to feed them both was overwhelming.
"Are you boys hungry? We were just heading in for lunch, and I always make too much. You'd be doing me a favour."
"We wouldn't want to impose," Itachi murmured, but there was a softness to his voice.
Shisui elbowed him. "Speak for yourself, I'm starving."
"Well, that settles it. We'll eat, and you can tell me all about your clan's fire jutsu. I've heard some from Fugaku-sama and would love to see what you can do."
Daen, who'd hung back, cleared his throat. "If you need another set of hands—"
"Of course you can join us, Daen," Harry said easily, giving up on wondering why the man was being so protective all the sudden.
"Come on," Harry called, waving everyone toward the compound, bending the wards to allow them all entry.
Shisui and Itachi lingered near the entrance, feigning curiosity as they eyed the compound grounds with their backs tense.
The sight made Harry nearly frown. Did they expect a trap? An ambush? He had heard that a lot of ninja were naturally wary, but to see it in boys so young.
He wanted to gather them both up, feed them, tuck them somewhere safe.
He had to settle for just lunch.
He kept his smile gentle, beckoning them in. "No need to hover by the gates, boys. I promise the wards won't bite unless you mean mischief."
That coaxed a genuine smile out of Shisui. Itachi only nodded, but a faint colour touched his cheeks as he stepped through the gate.
He led them through the path leading to the main house, still flush with sprawling flowers that weren't supposed to be in bloom during the winter.
"Are those flowers… dancing? Are they poisonous? Wait, what's that green vine—why is it moving?" Shisui asked.
Harry snorted, ushering everyone toward the house. "The pansies sing if you poke them. The vine is harmless unless you try to break into the house."
Itachi paused at the kitchen door before following, his expression gone blank and looking a little too old for his age.
Teddy, made a beeline for Shikamaru as soon as his feet hit the floor. "Sh'kaaaa!" he squealed, nearly tripping over his own feet. Shikamaru scooped him up without complaint and plopped him into his lap at the table.
"Cutest baby brother in the world," Shikamaru announced.
Shisui's mouth fell open. "So cute! Itachi, look at them! You're not the only one with a baby brother complex now!"
"Don't encourage him," Harry groaned, ruffling Teddy's covered. "He's already a terror. And Shikamaru's gives in to his cuteness far too much."
Itachi, lips twitching in a rare show of warmth, murmured, "It's a good trait." His gaze softened, and Harry watched as the stoic Uchiha reached across the table and offer Teddy a piece of fruit.
Teddy, never one to be shy around food or potential friends, grinned his approval, now green eyes wide and trusting.
He set about making lunch, sleeves rolled, hands moving fast. "Sandwiches all right for everyone?" Listening to the conversation going on while he fixed the food.
Shikamaru peered at Shisui. "Are you really a Jounin?"
Shisui tried to look modest and failed. "Yep. Itachi's a Chuunin, and he's only eleven. He's a bit of an overachiever."
Itachi gave his cousin a level look, but there was a flash of pride in his dark eyes. "I like training. I learn faster that way." He seemed to hesitate, then added quietly, "My little brother's your age, Shikamaru."
Shikamaru mulled this over. "Does he play shogi?"
Itachi's mouth curled in a way that made him look far older than eleven. "A little. He could use a challenge."
Shisui, grinning at the rapid arrangement, looked at Harry a bit awkwardly. "I really did come to introduce myself before I left for a mission. Maybe we can spar when I get back?"
Harry smiled, feeling his magic rise eagerly to the prospect of a challenge.
"Sounds like a plan."
~
Harry was elbow-deep in soapsuds when the wards hummed, whispering Shikaku's chakra as he crossed the gates. He barely had time to rinse his hands before strong arms wrapped around his waist and a warm body pressed flush to his back.
Instead, he grinned at the sensation of rough stubble scraping along his neck.
Harry tilted his head obligingly, biting back a smirk. "Ah, Daen, you finally decided to take me up on my offer after all."
The arms around him tightened, and in an instant, he was spun around, back pressed against the counter, staring up into hazel eyes with mock shock.
"Oh Shikaku," Harry gasped, feigning shock, wide-eyed and fluttering his lashes. "I wasn't expecting you."
"You better be joking," he rumbled, leaning in to capture Harry's lips in a kiss.
When they finally broke apart, Harry's breath came a little faster, and Shikaku let his hands drop, rubbing slow circles at Harry's waist. "Troublesome," the older man muttered, "if you do that again, I'm going to send Daen on a mission he'll never come back from."
Harry huffed a laugh, letting his arms drape around Shikaku's neck, fingers playing idly with the edge of his collar. "Wouldn't that interfere with his current mission?" he asked dryly. "You know. the one where he follows us every time we leave the compounds. Even when it's just across the training ground?"
Shikaku winced, sheepishness flickering across his features. "I only asked Daen and Ko to keep an eye out when you and the boys are in the village."
Harry's teasing faded. "You know I can look after us," he said quietly.
Shikaku nodded, voice gentle. "I know. I do. But I don't trust everyone in this village. Not after everything. And… well." He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "There are people who'd see you, see the boys, as tools, leverage. Or worse."
"You mean Danzo," he guessed, voice sharp.
Shikaku's face darkened, all traces of levity gone. "Yeah. Danzo." He dropped his voice, glancing at the closed kitchen door as if the name might summon the man himself. "I've been looking into him for years, but nothing came of it. I'm looking deeper since Tsunade confirmed he was the one supplying Orochimaru with the children."
He pressed his lips together, forcing himself to breathe.
"I suspect he had a hand in the attack on Waterfall, too," the man admitted.
"Waterfall?" Harry echoed, alarm rising in his chest. "Are you sure?"
Shikaku shook his head, frustration twisting his features. "I have no proof, but the timing, the resources, the way the attackers disappeared, he's got his fingers in everything. I just can't prove it."
Harry chewed his lip, mind whirling. He forced himself to think, to weigh the possibilities.
Everyone thinks the Hero's Water was destroyed, if that was his real goal…
Shikaku squeezed his waist. "I'll keep you updated. If it turns dangerous, if it comes to the point where you need to worry, I'll let you know. I promise."
Harry arched a brow, stubbornness sharpening his tone. "You know I won't hold back if he tries anything. I've already had to talk Tsunade down more than once."
A small smile tugged at Shikaku's mouth.
Harry's gaze turned steely though. "If I'm ever left alone with that man, I don't know if I could stop myself. The only thing holding me back is knowing that if I killed someone that high-ranking, I'd have to go on the run. Shikamaru, you, you're what keeps me here."
For a long moment, Shikaku just looked at him.
"I'd run with you," Shikaku whispered, the words soft and fierce at once. "If it came to that, I'd leave everything behind. The clan would follow us, I know they would. We could move the herd to your Keep, the whole lot."
A surprised laugh bubbled out of Harry, breaking the tension.
He grinned, pulling Shikaku in for a quick, happy kiss. "Are you offering to run away with me, Commander Nara?"
Shikaku's lips curved in a lopsided smile. "Anytime. Though I can think of a lot of things we could do on the run." His tone went low and suggestive, hands smoothing down to grip Harry's hips.
"Oh?" Harry murmured, voice teasing as he reached up and traced Shikaku's jaw. "And what exactly would we do, hidden away from the world?"
Shikaku's eyes darkened, pupils wide. "A lot of things I can't do in a crowded house," he muttered, then caught Harry's mouth in a searing kiss.
The older man's arms wrapped around him, pulling him close, deepening the kiss until Harry's toes curled in his slippers.
Suddenly, Shikaku lifted him by the thighs, eliciting a startled gasp from Harry as he was hoisted onto the kitchen table.
"Honestly," Harry managed, laughter bubbling through his words, "if you keep doing that, we're going to break the furniture."
Shikaku only grinned, unrepentant, and leaned in to nip at Harry's throat. "I'll buy you a new table," he said, voice muffled against Harry's skin.
Harry tangled his fingers in the man's hair, then paused, biting his lip. With careful fingers, he reached up and tugged the band free, releasing Shikaku's hair and let his fingers run through it.
A guttural groan escaped Shikaku, head tipping back into his touch.
"I could get used to this," Harry teased, twirling a lock around his finger.
Shikaku's mouth travelled lower, brushing kisses along Harry's jaw, then down his neck, pausing to suck a bruise just beneath his ear. Harry gasped, fighting to keep quiet, acutely aware that Tilly and the children were in the playroom on the other side of the house.
"Shikaku—" he whispered, warning and plea tangled together.
"The things I would do to you if we had the house to ourselves," Shikaku murmured, voice heavy with promise.
His breath was hot on Harry's throat, hands gripping his hips, the man's words making Harry's pulse leap.
He swallowed hard, mind going deliciously hazy with want and the promise in Shikaku's voice. But he couldn't resist poking at him just a little, couldn't resist being the minx that Shikaku seemed to love .
"Maybe I should see if Daen has more free time than you," Harry teased, voice feather-light against Shikaku's ear. "I could go meet him outside the gates. I'm sure you told him to wait there for me. He might be lonely, you know…"
The effect was immediate. Shikaku's grip tightened, possessive, his entire body tense as he pulled Harry closer still. "Try it, and I'll have Daen assigned to Demon country for a year," he growled, his mouth finding Harry's jaw and biting, just enough to sting.
"So touchy," he whispered.
"I don't share, Hari," Shikaku said, and there was steel in it. "Not with anyone."
Harry purred, threading his fingers through Shikaku's hair. "Good. Because you're all I want." He nipped at the man's ear, earning a low groan in return.
Down the hallway, a sudden shriek of laughter rang out, then the unmistakable crash of something fragile. Teddy's high giggle rose, followed by Shikamaru's exasperated, "No, Teddy, they aren't for smashing!" Followed by Teddy shouting, "boom!"
"Sounds like our sons are up to no good again," Shikaku murmured, the words soft.
Something in Harry melted at the words—our sons.
He nuzzled into Shikaku's neck, his voice barely more than a husky breath. "Say that again."
Shikaku obliged, pressing a kiss to Harry's brow. "Our sons. Our little fawn. The little blue-haired terror, too. Don't let him fool you with that angelic face."
Harry laughed, the sound slipping into a purr, unable to help himself. "I love it when you say that," he admitted, shameless in his affection. "I love that you call them yours—ours."
He searched Shikaku's eyes, his own shining, and whispered, "And I lo—"
He never got the rest out.
Because just then, Tilly popped into the room with a crack, her arms full of tea towels and her face set in a glare. The little elf surveyed the kitchen, then them, and then the kitchen table with a look of such horror.
Shikaku tensed, battle ready before relaxing. Still not quite used to the little elf popping in and out all the time.
"Master Harry!" she scolded, voice full of righteous indignation, "On the table! Again?!"
Harry went red to the tips of his ears, stumbling to pull his shirt back down and hop off the table with what little dignity he could muster. "Tilly! We were just—"
"Just what, Master?" Tilly sniffed, eyeing Shikaku as if she was considering dousing him with cold water.
Shikaku didn't miss a beat. "We were just talking, Tilly," he said smoothly, but his smirk said otherwise. He reached out and snagged Harry's wrist, pulling him close. "And maybe kissing. Just a little."
Tilly huffed, clutching her towels to her chest. "Just kissing, he says! If Master Shikaku wishes to do more kissings, Master should become Master's consort first!" She jabbed a tiny finger at Shikaku, who just arched an eyebrow, looking, if anything, even more amused.
Harry hissed, mortified. "Tilly!"
Shikaku slid his arms around Harry's waist, whispering low, "I'm working on it," right into Harry's ear.
Harry's head whipped around so fast he nearly gave himself whiplash. "What?!"
Shikaku only grinned, catching Harry's mouth in a soft, lingering kiss.
Tilly made a tiny, choked sound, somewhere between horror and delight, before she marched over and began fussing with the corner of the table, muttering under her breath about "promiscuous masters."
"You just love winding people up, don't you?" he accused Shikaku, voice thick with fond exasperation.
"Only a little," Shikaku admitted, eyes warm. Then, raising his voice, he called out, "Boys! Come say goodnight before I go!"
Almost instantly, the pounding of little feet thundered down the hallway. Shikamaru appeared first, followed by Teddy.
Teddy launching himself at Shikaku with all the force of a missile, "Sh'kuuu!" Shikaku caught him, swinging him up and pressing a kiss to his fluffy hair.
"Hey, little terror," Shikaku rumbled, grinning at their sons.
Shikamaru squirmed in for a hug too, clambering up to wrap both arms around his father's waist. "Are you leaving again?"
"Just for some sleep, kiddo," Shikaku assured him, smoothing his hair. "I'll be back tomorrow evening. Think you can keep your Maashah out of trouble till then?"
Shikamaru's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Probably not."
Harry rolled his eyes, mock offended. "I am very well behaved, thank you."
"Mmhmm," Shikamaru said, deadpan, making Shikaku snort with laughter.
Teddy, meanwhile, was busy squishing Shikaku's cheeks between his chubby hands.
Shikaku kissed Teddy's nose, solemn. "Look after your Maashah, yeah?"
"Maas!" Teddy agreed, nodding fiercely, then proceeded to lick Shikaku's chin, because he was part puppy and that was apparently normal now.
Harry laughed, coming over to gently pry Teddy's hands free. "Alright, little wolf, let Shikaku breathe."
Shikaku leaned in, pressing a kiss to Harry's forehead, then his cheek, then his lips.
Tilly huffed in the background.
~
Harry's mind buzzed with the stubborn hum of nerves, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time.
Maybe it was ridiculous to be nervous about a council meeting tomorrow. After all, he'd survived Wizengamot sessions since he was fourteen, there was nothing here he hadn't handled before.
Things were just so different in this world.
The Nara library was a hidden gem, one that he had been trying to visit since he was given permission some weeks ago. It reminded him faintly of his new library, the style was decidedly similar if not smaller, it seemed hidden reading nooks was a must as well.
He was half tempted to go take a nap in one of them, the curtain would surely hide him from anyone.
He had been left alone after introducing himself to the elderly librarian, and for hours he barely looked up, except to move another stack of files.
He quickly discovered that, if he'd thought the British Ministry was a mess, Konoha's council was a circus.
A circus with Danzo leading the show most of the time.
The man's name kept cropping up everywhere, always in the margins of the most horrifying proposals.
Harry found himself physically recoiling at a parchment describing a "desensitisation initiative" aimed at sending eight-year-olds into active combat. Eight.
He turned the page, bile rising, as he read a speech where Danzo called child casualties "an unfortunate but necessary culling for the strength of the future."
He forced himself to calm, glancing through the voting records.
Homura and Koharu, the two other elders, had voted with Danzo almost every time, so had the Hyuuga clan multiple times, and a handful of smaller clans with names he didn't recognise.
He scrawled their names in his notebook, underlining them with angry red ink.
He made a mental note to ask Saeko about the smaller clans. He wondered if their votes were bought or just shaped by old alliances. Shikaku would know, of course, but he hated to rely on him for everything.
The man was already working himself half to death.
He kept going, hands soon stained with ink. He noted that the council's structure was woefully lopsided —eighteen ninja to ten civilians, then the three elders and the Hokage.
Not really surprising in a ninja village, but the implications were staggering. If the ninja clans wanted something, the civilians could be utterly overruled. The December meeting was the only time all members attended though, but there were also separate monthly sessions for civilians and ninja.
Harry, with his odd status as clan head and a representative of the Daimyo, was required at both.
Typical, he thought, shaking his head.
Only the Akimichi seemed to share the dual burden, though he did remember Shikaku saying that the clan owned a lot of civilian restaurants.
He tried not to sigh.
He flipped through more minutes, growing increasingly disturbed. There were proposals about using children as undercover agents, children tasked with assassinations, even with infiltration missions across village borders. There were records of children being stolen, and Harry's knuckles went white as he read the careful language that danced around the reality of trafficking.
He found himself seething.
He wanted to burn it all down.
A soft creak broke his thoughts of murder, and Harry looked up, startled, as the old Nara librarian padded over. "Everything all right, young lord?"
Harry flushed, realising he'd been gripping the edge of the table hard enough to make the wood crack. "Sorry, Hotaru. I just lost track of time. Do you need to lock up?"
The old man waved a hand. "Not at all. Stay as long as you need. I'll set the seals so no one else disturbs you. Just put out the lanterns when you're done."
Harry smiled, gratitude flooding him. "Thank you."
The old man smiled, slow and sly. "You're not the first young lord to get lost in the council records. You won't be the last." He yawned, already half out the door. "Just don't start a revolution tonight. I'd like to get some sleep."
Harry snorted, feeling his tension ease. "No promises."
The library was silent after that, the hush broken only by the occasional muttered curse as Harry paged through more records.
Eventually, the pile in front of him had shrunk, and his eyes were burning from hours of reading
He leaned back, rubbing his eyes, only to startle as the main library door creaked open.
He looked up confused and let his magic sweep out, recognising the chakra signature immediately.
Shikaku.
He blinked, then glanced at the clock on the wall wincing when he realised it was nearing ten already.
"Hari?"
"Over here," he called back. The man appearing around the end of the nearest bookcase a moment later.
Shikaku smirked, one eyebrow rising in mock reproach. "Burning the midnight oil?"
"Blame Tilly. She insisted on taking the boys for the whole day, something about letting me have a break before the council meeting tomorrow. I figured I'd finally scout out your library. I hope that's still all right?" His teeth caught his lip, just a shade of nerves threading through his words. "Hotaru didn't seem to mind, but well, I can stay away if it's an issue."
Shikaku nearly rolled his eyes. "You have my permission to use the library whenever you want," he said. "Your name's in the access book. And Hotaru's probably just thrilled to have someone under eighty actually reading the records." He reached out, brushing a hand along Harry's cheek. "Don't worry about it."
"Good, because after this meeting I have a stack of scrolls I want to dig into. I had to ignore the jutsu section just to get through the council minutes."
Shikaku grinned and perched himself on the edge of the desk beside him, thigh pressed against Harry's arm. "Is this the legendary Ravenclaw behaviour I was warned about?" he teased, eyes glinting.
Harry scowled in mock annoyance, crossing his arms. "I should never have put that portrait up in the house. My ancestors have already accosted you at least three times, haven't they?" He narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "And judging by that look, you've been conspiring with them, haven't you?"
Shikaku only smirked, then pulled Harry to his feet, sliding him close between his knees. "I plead not guilty," he murmured, voice low, and dragged him in for a kiss.
Harry hummed, letting himself be pulled in, hands bracing on Shikaku's thighs.
When they parted, Harry brushed his nose against Shikaku's. "Did you have dinner yet?"
Shikaku chuckled. "I ate. Even got home in time to tell the boys a story. My skills are nowhere near yours, of course. Teddy fell asleep before I even got to the good part. Shikamaru just looked at me like I'd ruined it."
Harry snorted, picturing Shikamaru's unimpressed little scowl. "I'm sure you did just fine."
"Shadow puppets are making a comeback," Shikaku said dryly, waggling his fingers in the air.
Harry burst out laughing. "That's cheating. I still can't figure out how you get the deer's antlers."
Shikaku looked smug, then reached for the scattered folders on the desk. He frowned, flipping through the top document. "Are these all the minutes from the last decade?"
Harry let his head fall to Shikaku's shoulder, groaning. "Near enough. I know Konoha's not that old, but I swear, the infrastructure is so unstable. The voting ratios alone." He raked a hand through his hair, voice tight. "Don't even get me started on the academy proposals. It's like they want to traumatise as many kids as possible before they reach double digits."
Shikaku winced, his hand drifting to Harry's back. "I know it must look inhumane compared to where you're from. But this is how it's always been here. Children either become ninja or stay civilians. It's just how the nations survive."
He stared up, eyes blazing. "Itachi Uchiha told me he was only seven when he graduated the academy, Shikaku. Seven. Kakashi was five. And both of them were sent to the battlefield not long after. I'm surprised they survived."
Shikaku's mouth pressed into a hard line, and he hesitated before answering. "You know Shikamaru is joining the academy in April, don't you?" His tone was cautious, almost defensive, as if bracing for Harry's ire.
Harry's hands clenched. "I know," he bit out, "I've forced myself to accept it's what he wants. But if our son graduates before twelve—" he jabbed a finger into Shikaku's chest, "—I swear I'll tie him to Nox and fly him away. Twelve is too young to be anywhere near the battlefield, and don't think I won't be taking precautions to make sure he's safe."
Shikaku's eyes softened, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. "That's something I can agree to." He squeezed Harry's hand. "I can—will make that happen."
Harry looked up, heart stuttering at the seriousness in Shikaku's gaze, the fierce protectiveness there.
He surged up, hands curling in Shikaku's jacket, and kissed him hard. Shikaku responded instantly, arms locking around him, mouths crashing together in a tangle of tongue and teeth.
Shikaku's hand slid into Harry's hair, angling his head, deepening the kiss until Harry could do nothing but cling to him. The man's jacket slipped off his shoulders, falling to the floor with a dull thud.
When they finally tore apart, Harry's breathing was ragged.
"We're all alone," he whispered, pleading and daring all at once.
Shikaku paused, dark eyes searching Harry's face, hand stroking along his jaw. His voice was rough. "We have the night to ourselves," he murmured, thumb brushing Harry's bottom lip. "Would you let me take you to bed?"
Harry's body lit up, heat flooding every nerve ending. His wolf howling in the back of his mind—matemateMATE.
He didn't hesitate. "Yes," he whispered, all want. "Gods, yes."
The air between them snapped, charged with the urgency. Harry's hands moved of their own accord, stroking the mans chest as he gave Shikaku a look both shy and blazing with want.
Shikaku saw the look, and something in his eyes went molten as he tugged Harry by the hand. "Come on," he murmured, "not here. I promised you a bed."
But Harry, emboldened by the thrill of being alone, just smiled slyly and tugged Shikaku's hand, steering him toward one of the curtained reading alcoves he'd noticed earlier. "Hotaru said the seals are up," he whispered, voice low and trembling. "We're less likely to be disturbed here than at our houses."
He bit his lip, cheeks flushing as he added, "Unless you're not willing to risk it…"
Shikaku swore, and yanked his own shirt over his head, tossing it aside with little care.
"You're going to be the death of me," he growled, and caught Harry up in another kiss, hard and hungry.
Within seconds, Harry's own shirt was gone, the cold air of the library making his nipples pebble. Shikaku's hands were everywhere, calloused palms stroking his ribs, his stomach, tracing old scars.
Shikaku's mouth followed, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down Harry's neck, pausing to suck a dark mark just above his collarbone, making Harry arch with a gasp.
"Fuck, you're beautiful," Shikaku murmured, voice shaking. "Always knew you'd look like this, spread out for me, all mine."
Harry's thighs trembled, desire pooling hot in his belly. He reached for Shikaku's waistband, tugging insistently. "Off," he breathed, desperate.
Shikaku obliged, unbuttoning and pushing his trousers and underwear down in one smooth motion. When Harry saw his cock spring free, hard and thick and flushed dark against his stomach, he couldn't help himself.
His legs parted, heels digging into the edge of the cushion, inviting, needy. "Please," he keened, all pride gone. "'Kaku, please."
Shikaku knelt between his thighs, hands skimming up the backs of Harry's legs, settling them over his broad shoulders. For a moment he just looked, eyes devouring every inch of Harry's bare skin.
"Kami," Shikaku whispered. "Look at you."
Harry blushed but didn't look away.
He leaned in, kissing Harry again, hands gripping his hips, and ground their erections together until both of them were moaning.
Shikaku's lips trailed down, nipping at Harry's throat, his collarbone, then lower still. He sucked a bruise over Harry's heart, then moved to his nipples, laving them with tongue and teeth.
When Shikaku finally, finally reached for Harry's cock, murmuring, "So beautiful, sweetheart, gonna make you feel so good," Harry almost sobbed with relief.
But Shikaku paused with a grimace. "Fuck, I don't have any lube—"
Harry, who had been seconds from losing his mind, grabbed Shikaku's hand, holding his gaze as he sucked two of the man's fingers into his mouth, swirling his tongue around them. He whispered a lubrication charm, feeling the magic tingle over Shikaku's skin.
"There," he panted. "Just—fuck me open, then fuck me, please. Been waiting so long."
Shikaku's composure shattered as he pressed his fingers to Harry's entrance, voice thick with awe.
Then he pushed in, one finger, then another. Harry forced himself to relax, gasping as the stretch burned, then melted into pleasure.
"That's it," Shikaku murmured, kissing Harry's hip, "doing so good for me. Just breathe, I've got you."
A third finger joined, scissoring and stroking, and when Shikaku curled them just right, brushing Harry's prostate, he wailed.
"There?" Shikaku asked.
"There," Harry gasped. "Please, don't stop—oh—"
Shikaku's mouth suddenly closed over the head of his cock, sucking hard, and Harry saw stars. Between the insistent stroking inside of him and the warm heat of his mouth, he came screaming Shikaku's name.
By the time he came back to himself, Shikaku was already slicking himself with the rest of the lube.
"One last chance to stop me," Shikaku murmured, voice rough with restraint.
Harry glared, then bared his throat in invitation. "Please, I want you inside me."
Shikaku didn't need more encouragement. He lined himself up and pressed in slowly, inch by torturous inch. Harry's body tensed at the burning stretch, then forced himself to relax, aftershocks of pleasure from his earlier orgasm making everything hypersensitive.
When Shikaku bottomed out, they both stilled, breath mingling.
"Fuck," Shikaku rasped, "so tight."
Harry whimpered, locking his ankles around Shikaku's waist, grinding up. "Move, please, move."
Shikaku obliged, pulling out and thrusting back in, slow at first, then faster, harder.
Harry had never felt anything so good, so right, then the angle changed and Harry screamed, stars exploding behind his eyelids.
He wasn't even aware when he started chanting, "love you, love you! Again, please!"
Only to let out a desperate whine when the thrusts slowed.
"Say it again," Shikaku demanded, pausing, cock buried deep.
Harry blinked up at him, eyes glazed, and whispered, "Love you. Gods, I love you."
Shikaku surged down, kissing him fiercely. "Fuck! Me too. Love you. Never letting you go, ever. Gonna do this every day—make love to you every day."
Harry could only whine in agreement, clutching at Shikaku's shoulders as the man fucked him in earnest, bodies slapping together in a frantic, desperate rhythm.
It didn't take long.
Shikaku reaching between them, fisting Harry's cock, stroking in time with his thrusts.
"Let go," he whispered, "come on, sweetheart, let go—"
Harry shattered, coming again with a wordless cry.
He went limp, boneless, as Shikaku fucked him through it, then the man tensed, groaning hoarsely as he pushed in deep and spilled inside.
Harry purred, blissed out, feeling the heat of Shikaku's seed fill him, his body clenching down, wanting—needing to keep it inside him.
They lay there, tangled together for a moment, sweat cooling on their skin.
Harry continued to rumble in satisfaction, man and wolf, body and soul, wholly, finally, blissfully claimed.
If he hadn't of been so blissed out, he would have realised that his drastic need for something he couldn't name disappeared, and a feeling of overwhelming triumph spread through him.
The word finally echoing in his mind.
He would have happily stayed like that forever, sprawled atop Shikaku's broad chest, purring quietly with every exhale, his wolf rumbling with lazy satisfaction.
"You feel okay?" Shikaku murmured, lips pressed to Harry's temple as his fingers drifted down Harry's side.
"Mmm," Harry mumbled, voice thick and slow with pleasure. "Feel amazing."
A slow, fond chuckle answered him.
After a while, Shikaku's voice broke the silence, his tone softer than Harry had ever heard it.
"Did you mean it?"
Harry blinked, surfacing from his daze. "Mean what?"
Shikaku's hand stilled, heavy over Harry's heart. "When you said you loved me."
Harry's smile came slow, gentle, and a little incredulous that Shikaku could even doubt it.
He propped himself up on one elbow, hair falling loose around his shoulders, and looked down into Shikaku's eyes, letting the honesty show in every line of his face.
"Yes," Harry whispered. "Of course I meant it."
He brushed his thumb along Shikaku's jaw, tracing the stubble. "I think I started falling for you before I even realised it. I got to know you through Shikamaru's stories. But it really happened in the Capital, that first time I saw how much you loved our son. Every day since, everything you say or do…" He broke off, voice thick, then leaned down and kissed Shikaku slowly, lingering. "I love you, Shikaku Nara.".
Shikaku's hands slid up to cradle Harry's face, rough thumbs stroking at his cheekbones. He pulled Harry in for another kiss, deep and earnest, before finally gruffly murmuring, "Love you too, sweetheart."
"You're going to have to get used to hearing it," he teased, then gasped softly when Shikaku rolled them, tucking Harry beneath him.
"I'll manage," Shikaku replied, voice rough.
The night passed in a haze of whispered confessions. They made love again, and again, until the air was heavy with the scent of them, until Harry's body trembled and Shikaku's voice was raw from groaning his name.
It was nearly dawn when they finally collapsed together, limbs tangled.
~
Harry woke to the warmth of Shikaku's body beneath his cheek, his scent everywhere, musk, spice, faint sweat, and something Harry recognised as uniquely theirs.
The first few moments were a dreamy blur, his body aching in places he'd never ached before, but it was a delicious ache.
For the first time in weeks, his emotions felt settled, like something inside him had finally clicked into place.
The wolf in his chest purred, happily content.
He felt safe.
He felt claimed in the best way.
Shikaku grumbled in his sleep, reaching blindly to bury his face in Harry's wild hair.
"Morning" Harry said, beaming up at the man.
Shikaku squinted at him, eyes still soft with sleep, hair an absolute wild nest.
"Mornin'," Shikaku echoed, his voice rough, then leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Harry's mouth.
He pulled back and looked Harry over, concern flickering in his gaze. "You all right? Are you hurting anywhere?"
Harry shifted experimentally and held in a hiss as a twinge shot up his spine. He tried to school his expression, not wanting Shikaku to feel guilty.
"I'm fine," he lied, a bit too brightly. "Just pleasantly sore."
Shikaku raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. Instead, he threaded his fingers through Harry's hair, petting him gently, making Harry all but melt back onto his chest.
A sudden yawn ambushed Harry and he plopped his head back down, groaning, "I don't want to go to the council meeting. I want to stay right here."
Shikaku snorted, then closed his eyes like he might drift off again. "We can't both skip it. Pretty sure mother would track us down and drag us out by the ears."
Harry rolled onto his back and flicked a lazy cleaning charm over both of them, grimacing at the feel of dried cum on his skin before it vanished.
Harry poked Shikaku in the side until the man grunted and tried to burrow further into the pillows "We have to get up. Two hungry boys await, and unlike you, I can't get away with going to a political meeting in yesterday's trousers and a wrinkled shirt."
Shikaku cracked one eye open, an unrepentant smirk on his lips. "You'd look good in anything. Even better in nothing."
Harry rolled his eyes and summoned their scattered clothes from the floor, catching his own trousers out of the air and passing Shikaku his.
"Lie down for a little longer," Shikaku yawned, then made a grab to pull Harry back into the nest of pillows.
Harry leaned down, pressed a lingering kiss to the man's temple, and whispered, "Time to get up, old man."
That got Shikaku to sit up, albeit with a truly tragic sigh before sending him a smirk. "This old man remembers ravishing you all night."
Harry blushed furiously and handed Shikaku his shirt. "I did all the work on that last round—"
They both froze at the echoing groan of the library's heavy doors. Shikaku shot Harry a wide-eyed look, and Harry felt his heart jump into his throat.
"Oh god," Harry hissed. "Is that Hotaru. I am not getting caught by the old librarian after we desecrated his holy house."
Shikaku's face went from panic to resigned in a blink, voice full of doom. "There's no way the old man won't notice us trying to sneak out. He knows every creak in this place."
Harry grinned, suddenly devious, summoning all of their things. "Magic, remember?"
Before Shikaku could protest, Harry pounced, throwing himself over the man, wrapping them both in his magic, and Apparating them out of the library with a small crack, just as Hotaru's footsteps rounded the corner.
They landed sprawled on Harry's bed.
Shikaku groaned, flopping back against the mattress and glaring at Harry, his face pale.
"I told you not to do that without warning," Shikaku managed.
Harry kissed him in apology, still grinning. "Would you rather be caught with your pants down by a man in his seventies?" He waggled his eyebrows. "I don't know how fast the rumours would spread if the Jounin Commander and the new clan head were caught shagging in a library, but I'm guessing pretty damn fast."
Shikaku's eyes glinted with sly amusement. "Might not be so bad. Would make sure everyone knew who you belonged to."
Harry rolled his eyes. "You're incorrigible."
Shikaku gave Harry a faux-wounded look. "You liked it last night."
Harry flushed, biting his lip as his mind supplied a vivid replay of everything they'd done.
He took a moment to peek back—just for a second—and sighed at the sight of Shikaku, still gloriously naked, stretching like a wildcat on his bed.
That just wasn't fair.
Reigning in his desire, he tossed a pillow at the man, earning a yelp of indignation.
"Clothes, Commander!" Harry called, voice strangled. "Or I'll send Tilly in here to clothe you!"
"I'd like to see you try," came the lazy retort.
Harry smiled and padded out of the room, barefoot, hair wild and fresh glamours over his skin.
~
Shikaku abandoned Harry in the middle of his own kitchen, leaving him with a deep kiss and a pile of swirling leaves on his previously tidy floor.
Regardless of his love's abandonment, it was a glorious morning. The sun was bright, and he felt like he was floating as he walked through the streets towards the Hokage tower.
Tsunade, however, was not feeling glorious.
She groaned, pressing the heel of her hand to her forehead, squinting against the light. "Who the hell invented mornings? And why did I ever agree to return to this gods-forsaken village?"
Harry snorted. "Blame me if you want, but I consider us coming into your life a blessing, thank you very much." He pitched his voice snooty, chin tilted. "We're a gift."
Tsunade glared at him from under her fringe, her pout impressive. "You're a curse, brat, and you know it. And this meeting? All your fault. I could be in Tanzaku Town drinking sake in peace right now."
He rolled his eyes, and with a casual flick of his wrist, summoned a small headache reliever from the pocket of his fitted trousers, handing it over without missing a beat. "If you stopped drinking so much, maybe you wouldn't need this every morning."
She scowled but snatched the vial. "Take my sake away and I'll show you why the Senju were feared," she grumbled. Still, she uncorked the vial and downed it in one practiced tilt of her head. Groaning in relief, relaxing as the potion worked its magic.
"Ahhh… worth coming back just for that." She cast him a sideways glance, lips curling up in a sly smirk. "Shame you won't provide a lifetime supply. Now—" She eyed his outfit, raising a single imperious brow, "—how the hell did you fit a vial this big in those painted-on pants?"
Harry's cheeks flushed a little, but he retorted easily, "Extension charm inside the pockets, all my clothes have them. And it's not that tight…is it?" he asked, glancing down at himself.
Objectively, he looked incredible.
His tailored black pants hugged his thighs and backside with indecent precision, the fitted dress shirt pulled smooth and taut across his forearms and chest. Over it, a midnight blue corset vest that cinched his waist, marbled swirls of navy and silver embroidered into panels.
Blaise had called it a "delightful fusion of masculine and elegance."
And who was he to argue with that.
Now, walking through the village, he felt every gaze settle on him and it made his skin prickle and his confidence falter just a bit.
Tsunade, however, eyed him openly, whistling low. "Shikaku is a lucky man," she teased, falling back a step to look him over from behind. "Honestly, that corset thing? Enhances the curve of your lower back and makes your ass look fantastic."
Harry choked, whacking her arm. "Stop it. You're supposed to be the respectable elder between us."
She cackled, utterly unrepentant. "Please. The respectable one? And who are you calling old!"
Tsunade sobered a little as they neared the building, lowering her voice to something just for him.
"You remember how this goes? Just follow my lead if you get lost. They should have added an extra seat for you, it will have your clan symbol on it. You don't need to do much. Sensei will introduce you, your clan, and your titles. Daimyo rep and all that."
Her tone softened, genuine support in her eyes. "Floor opens at the end, so use that for your contributions. Don't let them rattle you. And if anyone messes with my baby cousin, they'll regret it." She cracked her knuckles, and a few passing chuunin flinched.
Harry sighed fondly. "You know I served on my political council at fourteen, right? I'm not completely incompetent in a room full of old men and women."
Tsunade looped her arm through his as they swept past the tower's guards, both of them nodding to the ninja who parted with barely a glance. She led him confidently through the polished corridors, until they reached the chamber's double doors.
Inside, the room was already buzzing, more than thirty seats circling the space. The moment they stepped inside, nearly every eye turned to watch them.
Harry's gaze went immediately to the man sitting slouched with boredom, but whose eyes brightened with open hunger the moment he caught sight of Harry.
Shikaku looked him up and down, slow and possessive.
The familiar look of want sent a thrill through Harry.
He watched as Inoichi nudged him hard, grinning and whispering that made Shikaku shoot him a narrow-eyed glare.
The man on his other side, broad-shouldered with a wild mane of red hair —that must beChouza— leaned over and said something that made Shikaku shoot both friends a murderous look.
Harry had to turn away to hide his laughter.
Tsunade leaned in, smirking. "Looks like he wants to eat you all up."
Harry elbowed her, hissing, "Not in public!"
He saw Shikaku shift as if to stand and come to him, but a deep voice called out.
"Ryūjin-sama."
Harry turned, spotting Fugaku entering the room. "I'm sure I told you to call me Hari, Fugaku-sama. Did I not?"
The man's lips twitched, the barest hint of a smirk. "Hari-sama, then. My apologies." He glanced at Tsunade, inclining his head. "Itachi told me about the lunch he and Shisui had with you and your sons. Thank you for accommodating them, especially for agreeing to Shisui's spar."
Harry waved a hand, teasing, "If I didn't have mountains of paperwork, I would have sparred then and there. I'm looking forward to putting myself to the test against Shisui, he was much more polite than you said. Barely mischievous at all."
Fugaku's expression softened slightly at that, a small twitch of his lips showing. "He'll be thrilled for the challenge." He would have said more if not for Tsunade clearing her throat loudly.
"Fugaku brat," she called, smirking, "still looking as frowny as ever. How's Mikoto?"
Fugaku's eyes flickered with resigned acceptance, but he nodded respectfully. "She's well. In fact, she hopes to speak with you about offering her services at the hospital once Sasuke starts at the academy. The house will be… quieter."
That hit Harry right in the chest, the thought of Shikamaru leaving for the academy soon.
He swallowed not wanting to think about it. "Itachi said Sasuke is Shikamaru's age. Shikamaru is having a playdate this weekend, maybe Sasuke would like to join, meet some children his age?"
Fugaku blinked, taken aback, the offer clearly unexpected. "I'll ask Sasuke if he'd like to attend. I imagine Mikoto would appreciate the invitation, she often worries for the boy."
Harry smiled. "She's welcome for tea at my house while the boys play, if that helps."
Fugaku's lips twitched into the faintest smile. "Thank you. I'm sure she will agree."
A soft buzzing caught Harry's attention, and he turned to see Shibi passing behind them.
"Ah, Shibi-sama!" Harry called, greeting him with warmth.
"Hari-sama, it seems we are fortunate to be seated next to one another." Shibi's glasses glinted as he replied, "It will indeed be a test of endurance for my Kikaichu."
He gestured for Harry to follow, leading him to a seat that had the deathly hallows carved into it.
Feeling a bit disappointed, he eyes Shikaku who was more than a few seats away, though they could still face each other.
What a pity, he thought, thinking of the ways he could tease him if he'd been closer.
As if reading his mind, Shikaku's lips curled in a private smirk.
The room filled quickly, chatter rising. More people filtered in, glancing at Harry with open curiosity, other clearly surprised to see Tsunade actually in attendance.
The Hokage finally took his place at the dais.
But Harry's good mood faltered as he turned his gaze to the trio of elders that sat behind him.
His eyes on one person specifically.
Danzo.
There was no mistaking the bandaged man, the slimy aura leaking from him making Harry want to gag.
Even had he not heard his description, the hate in Tsunade's eyes as she looked at the man told him everything.
This was the man that had desecrated Nawaki's body.
That had given baby Tenzo to a mad man to be experimented on.
That had hurt countless lives, children especially.
He met the man's gaze and promised himself that this monster would die.
He smiled, slow and wolfish, letting the dangerous promise curl in his chest.
Yes… this man would die painfully.